Mr. Isaac Butt, so long the advocate of Home Rule,
has now, at Waterford, explained that this phrase means "the repeal of the Union, and something more." What is the " more " to
be ? Independence? Federalism ? the confiscation of the land ? or what? He says Ireland can return at the next election a compact body of eighty Home Rulers, who will be able to dictate to the Ministry, and secure any terms they like. He is talking mere nonsense, as he knows very well, for on such questions both parties in Britain act together, but he is also -defeating his own policy. Home Rule can be debated, but if Home Rule is to be merely the prelude to still further demands, what is the use of debating Home Rule ? Some fine morning, if this party worries a democratic Parliament too much, the Irish will be asked if they really want independence, for, if they do, the strife of ages shall be terminated by one bold cut of the axe at the cable. We should like even now to take a plebiscite on that point, and twenty years hence it will be the most formidable menace that could be addressed to Irishmen, whose progress towards wealth, comfort, and a national position, as complete and honourable as that of Scotland, is checked mainly by the popularity of men like Mr. Butt.
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